NEWS & SUCCESS STORIES

NEWS // August 27, 2017

Each Mind Matters: Raising Awareness for Men's Mental Health

“Don't Drive Like My Brother!”

Sound familiar? “Car Talk” is the highly popular, long-running radio
show hosted by two brothers who dispense colorful advice to callers to
help them solve their car problems. Imagine for a moment a similar
show where men – and those who care about them – called in every
Sunday morning to ask how to tune up their mental health, to keep
their emotions from overheating, or their mind running smoothly?

Traditionally, men are raised to be self-sufficient, tough, and to
protect their family and property. But what happens when the strong
protector needs help? Fear of appearing weak or vulnerable, being
unable to meet responsibilities or serve the role they expect of
themselves can lead men to feel that they are a burden and that those
around them might be better off if they ended their life. Men are less
likely than women to reach out to mental health professionals or even
to talk about their problems with doctors, family members and friends.

To compound this, the signs of suicide among men are easily
misinterpreted. Their despair may be concealed by stoicism,
recklessness, drug or alcohol abuse, excessive working, isolation,
irritability, anger or resentment. This can have the effect of further
isolating men from those around them, pushing away the very people who
would be in the best position to help. Suicidal despair and depression
may be also hidden behind behaviors that tend to elicit less sympathy.
Many men at risk are involved in the criminal justice system, and have
financial or employment problems. They may be having problems with
intimate partners, be involved in custody disputes, or be perpetrators
of domestic violence.

More than two-thirds of suicides in California were among men, and
half of all suicide deaths occurred by firearm from 1993-2013. But
most suicidal crises are short-lived; putting time and space between a
suicidal person and highly lethal means can mean the difference
between life and death.

Many men own firearms, especially middle aged and older men, and
those who live in rural areas. Legal gun ownership is often closely
tied to social and cultural factors, such as recreational activities
like hunting and target practice. Gun clubs and shooting ranges can
offer excellent opportunities for suicide prevention outreach and
education. The Gun Shop Project (GSP) brings together the firearm and
public health communities toward the common goal of preventing
suicide. The GSP supports firearm dealers and gun range owners in
order to know what to look for and how to help a customer who may be
at risk.

In 2017, the California Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) law
went into effect. It establishes a process to allow law enforcement
and/or immediate family members to petition a court to temporarily
remove firearms from a person at risk of harm to self or others. The
website SpeakForSafety.org outlines the steps in the
GVRO process and links to additional information and resources.

How can you help?

Know the Signs. Learn when and how to help someone you are
concerned about. Visit SuicideIsPreventable.org to learn the
warning signs, how to have a conversation with someone you’re
concerned about, and to find resources in your area.

You are not alone, there is help. The San Diego Access &
Crisis Line (1-888-724-7240) is available 24/7, in Spanish and
English and other languages, and with special services if you are a
veteran or concerned about one. Chat services are also offered.
Through Lifeline you or your loved one can be connected to a trained
counselor who can help.

Trust your feelings. If you think something might be wrong,
don’t hesitate to ask your friend or loved one if he is considering
ending his life. Be persistent and don’t give up. You won’t put the
idea in his head or make his situation worse by letting him know he
is important to you, that you care and you want to help.

If you recognize that your own depression and thoughts of suicide
are starting to overwhelm you, call the Lifeline or talk to a friend.
People care about you and will want to support you. It is not a sign
of weakness to reach out: it takes strength and courage.

So, don’t drive like my brother! Help the men in your life take care
of their mental health the way they take care of their most prized
vehicle: with special attention to what’s under the hood.

Learn more about resources that have been developed specifically to
help men. Man Therapy (ManTherapy.org) is an
interactive website that provides practical tools for men to assess
their mental health and find support. Watch the real stories of men
who have struggled with mental health challenges and suicidal
feelings, but who found help and overcame. For more information, visit Up2SD.org.